A Milestone, of sorts.....

[AlanBama]

I am celebrating a milestone that marks an important occasion (at least, in my mind).   I have now made it to the TEN year mark without being hospitalized!   To those of you who lived through the AIDS era of the 80's and 90's, you know how many times we were in and out of the hospital....so many that I lost track of it.

My last hospitalization was June-July 1999, at DeKalb Medical Center in Atlanta.   I had contracted crypto and giardia, and of course my doctor was on vacation.   His associate did not bother to read my chart to see that (at that time) I had Addison's disease, and should have been hit with mega doses of steroids.   I was not, and went into an Addisonian Crisis, that almost cost me my life.  14 Days in intensive care, and I had to learn to walk again.   It took me MONTHS to get back to my 'old self', and in fact, I think I have never completely recovered from that episode.

I'm grateful for the life I've been given, and thankful for the drugs that keep my virus at bay.   I haven't been in the forums a lot lately, because frankly I just don't have it in me to be "the kindly old uncle" to those who are just now facing diagnosis, and are unable to cope with their one pill-a-day regimens.   That is a character fault of mine, and no reflection on those newly diagnosed.   I've just admitted to myself that the "newbies and oldies" are different creatures.   I'm learning to celebrate that difference, rather than being disturbed by it.

I'm serving now on the Patient Advisory Board at my clinic.   We are currently conducting a survey to determine (1) the current level of patient satisfaction and (2) patients' abilities and willingness to communicate via cell phones and the internet, hopefully to expand the way we share information.

Those who are my friends and know me well are aquainted with my "even year / odd year" theory....the even years have been better to me than the odd numbered.  In 2009, so far I have had more medical appointments than I can remember in a long time.   I've had a broken finger (due to a fall), some tendon issues in my right hand, a sleep study that determined I have severe sleep apnea (am now on CPAP machine nightly!) and have had a cataract removed from my right eye.   Also, those close to me have had more than their fair share of medical issues and complications....my partner has had several illnesses (currently painful epididymitis) and my eldest brother has had several heart procedures done, and a mass discovered in his kidney.    I will be very happy to see January 1, 2010 !

Good health and blessings to all.   I love my forum family.

Hugs,

Alan   

[aztecan]

Hey Alan,

I think that is a wonderful anniversary to celebrate! Congratulations on 10 hospital-free years!

I am also looking forward to 2010. I have had my share of doctor visits this year. I guess that's what I get for being stable for so long!

Congratulations on getting involved too! Despite all you've been through, I knew they can't keep a good man down for long.

BIG HAPPY HUGS to you.

Mark

[leatherman]

Congratulations!!! 
I believe that you have reached an awesome milestone! Welcome to the club. 

Back in March, on my 47th birthday, I celebrated the 10-yr mark since my last hospitalization. It was "just" pneumonia that time, not like the PCP I was hospitalized with two bdays prior; but I still had to call my parents for the second time in three yrs and tell them that the doctors thought I was about to die. It was a different time back then, that's for sure, and thank whatever diety is yours for the brains of the scientists and production methods to get the better meds to fight this damned bug.

I wouldn't feel too bad about not being the "kindly uncle" either. There are others here who fit into that niche quiet well. I tried for a while; but since Jim's death, I just don't have it in me any more to be passing out optimism for living with HIV. 

Congrats again and hugs to you 

[BT65]

Oh Alan, congrats on the 10 years being "hospital free," (sorry, didn't know how else to put it).  I think it's great you're getting involved with the Patient Advisory Board.  You're perfect for that.

I can't handle the newly diagnosed anymore either, as far as taking anyone under my wing.  Well, once in awhile I make exceptions for the women.

It was about 10 years ago that I was in a coma from a bladder infection that the antibiotics wasn't helping, therefore becoming septic. 

Anyway, congrats, sweetie.  You know I love you.
  Luv,
Betty

[J.R.E.]

Hello Alan,

Congratulations on the 10th year anniversary !! Here's to many more years of a being able to stay away from the hospital.

It's been just about 7 years for myself, since my last hospital stay in 2003, due to pnuemonia. I was totally out of my mind 7 years ago, ( when I look back now) and I  don't ever want to get to that state of mind again.

I've been pretty fortunate, since my diagnosis in 1985. I had been to the emergency room, for Shingles in 1989, was not in a hospital again until my outpatient Hernia surgery in 2001( or 02), can't remember off hand,  and was admitted for 24 hours in 2003 , when my t-cells were at 16, and finally,  my condyloma removal on May 8th of this year.


Hopefully I can make that 10th year anniversary !!


To your health----Ray

[Robert]

hi alan....

that's a bittersweet celebration, isn't it?  I do hope the 2nd half of the year is treats you a bit more kindly.

my prayers to you, your partner and your brother.

robt

[AndyArrow]

Alan,

That is a milestone to be very proud of indeed!!

Hugs,
AA

[gemini20]

Hello Alan,

That's a great achievement considering half of those years were odd numbers!

I think milestones like this are definitely worth acknowledging, shows us just how far we've come in our long-term survival. My last hospitalisation was in 2003 so I have a way to go to reach a similar milestone but I can guarantee if I make it I will celebrate.

Congratulations on being appointed to your Patient Advisory Board; I'm sure you are bringing a great deal of wisdom to that role.

2009 has been a busier year for health issues for me so I can empathise and am hoping these next 6 months bring you no further problems.

Best wishes,

Emma

[Jeffreyj]

Alan,
It is very refreshing to see some one who is grateful for having to take such few meds. I love your attitude about life in general. You are truly one of the kindest persons I have had the pleasure to meet, and converse with in these forums.
Your contributions are greatly appreciated by this ole dog!
Fondly,
Jeff

[Nancy]

   Great Milestone to celebrate Alan!!!  May you have many more.

Love ya,

Nancy

[pos2007]

  Congratulations!!!.  I know  how  you feel.  I  felt  that  way  20  years ago when I  finally  found a doctor that  knew how to treat my allergies and  I  didn't end  up  in  the emergency room  any  more.   It  is a great  feeling.  May God  continue  to bless your  days!

[mewithu]

Good news !!!!